Motorcycle Accident Attorney Washington, MO
Motorcycle Accident Attorney Washington, MO
Were you driving or riding on a motorcycle and got into an accident? This will likely mean severe injuries, and you deserve compensation for them.
Though you might be a responsible motorcycle driver, you can’t relax on the dangerous Missouri roads because of other drivers. They may not have used caution or were intoxicated, but now you deserve financial recovery, and it’s wise to hire a motorcycle accident attorney. Washington, MO, victims require help, and Steelman Gaunt Crowley is here!
Do you need to speak with an attorney today? Please request a free consultation by using the online form or calling (573) 341.8336.
Common Injuries Resulting from Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycles don’t have airbags, seatbelts, and metal structures around drivers, so it’s almost impossible to avoid injury when another vehicle collides with you. The helmet is the only safety feature available. Though it can protect from head trauma, the rest of the body can be hurt.
Here are the most common injuries relating to motorcycle crashes:
- Concussion
- Paralysis
- Broken bones
- Skull fracture and traumatic brain injury
- Ejection injuries
- Road rash
- Severe wounds and lacerations
- Crush injuries
- Dismemberment
The injuries above could take many months to heal, and some might lead to chronic pain and continual treatment. Disabilities are possible, so you can’t work or even care for yourself. Work with Steelman Gaunt Crowley to get the maximum compensation you deserve.
How to Know If You’re Entitled to Compensation
Missouri law requires the victim to prove that negligence existed to recover monetary awards from at-fault parties. Negligence means that the party failed to provide a duty of care, injuring another person.
Overall, we can help you prove that the at-fault driver owed a duty of care to you and that they breached that duty. We also gather evidence to show that you wouldn’t have been injured if it weren’t for their specific actions and that the inaction or action directly caused the damage.
Here are a few examples of negligent behavior which might lead to motorcycle accidents in Washington, MO:
- Failure to yield
- Disobeying traffic signals and signs
- Distracted driving, such as texting or calling someone
- Speeding
- Failure to check all blind spots before merging
- Weaving in/out of traffic
- Tailgating
If the at-fault driver had behaved reasonably, there wouldn’t have been an accident. Therefore, they should have known they could cause a crash but chose not to care. This means they must be held accountable for the pain and suffering they caused!
How to Prove Fault After the Accident
You must show the jury, judge, or insurance company the evidence indicating that someone else was negligent and responsible for any injuries. We have the resources necessary to obtain evidence, which can be complicated.
When you hire our legal team, we’ll begin investigating the case and find the evidence, which can include:
- Vehicle repair bills and estimates
- Eyewitness statements
- Security footage
- Traffic crash report (from the police)
- Your medical records
- Accident scene photos
- Other documents associated with your injury
- Liability insurance policies
- Cell phone records, driving histories, and other pertinent information about the at-fault party
Most victims don’t know how to perform an investigation or where to find the evidence necessary to prove their personal injury case. However, Steelman Gaunt Crowley has experts with years of experience. We advocate for our clients to help them recover compensation for traumatic crashes.
How Much Compensation You’ll Receive
It’s hard to say how much money you’ll recover from the motorcycle accident claim because Missouri law uses the fault system. Therefore, the at-fault party is financially liable for any damages. This includes economic (actual damages) and intangible losses or non-economic damages.
Typically, victims must file a claim with the at-fault driver’s auto insurance. There are often liability limits within the policy, so you can only receive compensation up to those amounts. Still, you can recover these damages:
- Physical disability or impairment
- Out-of-pocket costs
- Emotional trauma
- Motorcycle replacement or repair expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
- Medical bills
Non-economic damages don’t have a set monetary value and include emotional trauma. Insurance adjusters will often make it easier to come up with a fair settlement amount by considering these factors:
- The type of injury and seriousness of it
- Available evidence that proves fault
- How the injury might affect the quality of life
- Total lost wages
- Future medical treatment required
- Mental or physical disability resulting from the crash
- Details of the crash report
- Length of time for recovery
- Amount of at-fault party’s liability coverage
Talk to a Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Washington, MO!
Steelman Gaunt Crowley offers a free consultation for all prospective clients. Someone from our law firm will meet with you to discuss your case and review the details. This will help us both determine the best course of action.
Are you ready to fight for your rights? Please contact us at (573) 341.8336 or use the online form to start!
